Global Systems and Climate

Which are biotic factors of the pond ecosystem?

• fish, water lilies, and frogs

• pond water and rain that falls on the pond

• air above the pond, and the pond water

• the sunlight that shines on the pond

Scientists generally use three approaches to study ecology. Which is an example of experimentation?

• counting the number of migrating geese that visit a pond

• using a computer program to predict the growth of a forest

• raising ants in terrariums, each identical except for the clay content of the soil

• observing frogs as they swim across a pond

Which of the following describes an exchange of matter between the atmosphere and the geosphere?

• a volcanic eruption releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

• carbon dioxide dissolving from the atmosphere into ocean water

• the remains of living things settling on the ocean floor and becoming rock

• water vapor condensing in the air to form clouds

Which of the following BEST describes the hydrosphere?

• bodies of water on Earth’s surface, but not water in the atmosphere or underground

• salt water in the oceans, but not fresh water

Harvey is studying turtles in a pond. His knowledge of ecology will be MOST USEFUL for explaining which of these?

• The turtle’s shell appears to be an extension of its spine.

• A female turtle lays eggs on the shore, not in the water.

• One summer, the turtle population increases, then decreases.

• A turtle remains underwater for several minutes, then surfaces.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which statement BEST explains why the Earth systems model is useful for analyzing global changes?

• Causes and effects involve only one Earth system.

• Causes involve two Earth systems; effects involve two others.

• Earth systems interact, and changes involve all systems.

• Earth systems are affected separately, and do not interact.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Ecology includes studying ecosystems at different levels. Which is the largest or broadest level?

• biome

• biosphere

• community

• ecosystem

Which is a description of climate, not weather?

• Summer is wetter and warmer than winter.

• A hurricane will reach southeast Florida this afternoon.

• The air today is more humid than yesterday.

• No rain is likely to fall this week.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What would increased greenhouse gas concentrations do to Earth’s temperature?

• Decrease average surface temperatures

• Increase average surface temperatures

• Have no effect on average surface temperatures

• Cause temperatures to fluctuate wildly

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

What would most affect the Gulf Stream’s path and strength?

• An earthquake on the Atlantic Ocean floor

• More river water flowing into the Gulf of Mexico

• A reversal in prevailing winds over the Atlantic

• A slight increase in Atlantic Ocean salinity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6